Spring Awakening

“Spring Awakening” (2007)
Rated: Not suitable for young children
Musical
Running Time: 2 ½ hours (includes one 20 min. intermission)


“Spring Awakening”
A New Kind of Musical

“Spring Awakening” is a musical set in 19th century Germany about teenagers learning about sexuality, life, and love all set to an amazing rock score. When this musical debuted in 2007 it won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and Best Original Score. “Spring Awakening” was brought to life by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik from a play written by Frank Wedekind. It brought new life to Broadway with its up front approach to sex and sexuality in young adults. The score alone was unlike anything that had been heard. The thumping rock beats and strong singing bring this story to life. Serious issues mixed with the right amount of humor draw the audience in and keep them captivated till the very last note.

When I bought these tickets I knew nothing about “Spring Awakening” except that it won tons of Tonys and everyone had been saying it was amazing. And now that I’ve seen it, I would have to agree with the masses. From the first song where young Wendla yearns to know more about her body and begs her mother to tell her where babies really come from to the final song where the entire cast belts out everything that they’ve learned, I was hooked. “Spring Awakening” follows the developing love between Wendla and Melchior, a much admired boy who questions religion and why they should listen and believe everything that adults tell them. It also follows Melchior’s friend, Moritz. He is so overwhelmed with all of these burgeoning feelings and desires he loses his way in school which eventually leads to his downfall. Along the way we hear bits of the other characters’ lives and learn how they are making it through their transition into adulthood and through all of the trials and tribulations they have to endure. And how the adults struggle to keep their control of these questioning children.

The cast was the best part for me. Without them it would just be great rock music. The performers invited me in and I felt like I was a part of the show. Imagine my surprise when I found out that Jake Epstein, an actor from a show on Canadian television, Degrassi: The Next Generation, that I am in love with, was playing Melchior. He surpassed all of my expectations. All of the young actors did. The band was a major part of this show. Positioned on the stage with the actors instead of in the orchestra pit hidden, made them an integral part of the story. The music was its own character.

I would go into more of the story but I wouldn’t want to give any of it away. I think going into it with no knowledge of what you are about to see makes “Spring Awakening” infinitely better. I know that I will have the score to this musical stuck in my head for weeks. Images of simulated sex, school boys kissing, and graveyard scenes will forever be burned into my memory. But now I’ve said too much. “Spring Awakening” will open your eyes to a new kind of musical and will leave you begging for one more song.

I give this stage show five out of five frames. It had everything you could want from a musical.




http://www.springawakening.com/home (check out the official site for songs, videos, reviews, and tour dates)
http://www.the-n.com/ntv/shows/index (for more information on Degrassi: The Next Generation)


Now head on over to http://www.j1studios.com to discuss this and other musicals that you have loved. Or if you hate musicals, discuss that too.

Until next time kids, this has been Hava.